貴重

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Base na-adjective form. Describes something of high worth or importance. Must be followed by 『な』 (na) when modifying a noun, e.g., 『貴重な物』 (kichou na mono, 'precious thing').

Theme

At a museum exhibit, User and their art enthusiast friend Haruka discuss historical artifacts.

貴重

きちょう

precious / valuable

Advanced ExpansionAbstract Concepts

Memory Hook

Think of a 'key jewel' that's so precious you guard it closely. '貴重' (kichou, 'precious') sounds like 'key show' — you show off your valuable key jewel.

Cultural Note

『貴重』 (kichou, 'precious') is often used to describe valuable items, time, or experiences in Japanese culture. It appears in expressions like 『貴重な時間』 (kichou na jikan, 'precious time'), emphasizing respect for limited resources.

Forms

Base: 貴重Base na-adjective form. Describes something of high worth or importance. Must be followed by 『な』 (na) when modifying a noun, e.g., 『貴重な物』 (kichou na mono, 'precious thing').

Negative: 貴重ではないAdd 『ではない』 (de wa nai, 'is not') after the base form → 『貴重ではない』 (kichou de wa nai).

Past: 貴重だったAdd 『だった』 (datta, past copula) after the base form → 『貴重だった』 (kichou datta).

Adverbial: 貴重にAdd 『に』 (ni, adverbial marker) after the base form → 『貴重に』 (kichou ni). Used to modify verbs, e.g., 『貴重に扱う』 (kichou ni atsukau, 'to handle preciously').

Comparative: より貴重Comparative formed with modifier 『より』 (yori, 'more than') + base adjective. Example: 『金より貴重』 (kin yori kichou, 'more precious than gold').

Superlative: 一番貴重Superlative formed with 『一番』 (ichiban, 'number one / Most') + base adjective. Example: 『一番貴重な経験』 (ichiban kichou na keiken, 'the most valuable experience').